"People appear to have decided they have to do something more vigorously," Herbert said.

"What we are seeking to do for the individuals is to have that protection so they are not on their own or faced with a barrage of pressure from the media, from their clubs or the FA, but have the support of the whole community of the UK - and that includes the legal community."

But PFA chairman Carlisle said unity not separatism was needed.

"[A new body] has the potential to be divisive because when you establish a black players' union it would instantly define 'us and them' and that's something we really need to work against," the York City defender said.

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Ferdinand joins Roberts' protest

"We don't need to separate the players when the whole focus and goal of anti-racism is to campaign for unity."

BBC links

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